Bodycam footage released by Hertfordshire Constabulary shows the moment a wanted shoplifter attempted to evade arrest by hiding under a TK Maxx carrier bag. Kenneth Jackson, 52, was found lying under a duvet with a yellow carrier bag over his head when officers entered his bedroom in St Albans on June 25.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Police attended an address in St Albans just after 11am on June 25 in search of Jackson, who was wanted for failing to appear at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on June 16. The failure to appear related to a breach of court bail and theft from a shop – The Range at St Albans Retail Park – on May 28.
Upon entering the property, officers spoke with a woman at the door before searching the house. In a bedroom, they found Jackson partially concealed under a duvet with a yellow TK Maxx carrier bag covering his head. The officer pulled the bag away and quipped, "hello mate, how are you?" before chuckling and instructing Jackson to keep his hands visible.
Police Social Media Reaction
Following his arrest, Jackson appeared in court on Friday, June 26, where he was fined £120, ordered to pay costs of £85, and a £48 victim surcharge. Hertfordshire Constabulary shared the bodycam footage on social media, joking about the bizarre hiding attempt.
A spokesperson for the force said: "When life gets intense… go incognito...but we will still find you. We've seen some interesting attempts to avoid detection over the years. Putting a bag over your head can now be added to the list." The post added: "Public service announcement: Please don't put a bag over your head when hiding from us, it's not safe (just in case you were thinking about it)."
Public Reaction
The footage drew amused comments online. One viewer remarked: "Getting caught hiding under a duvet with a bag on your head is humiliating enough, being laughed at by the officer is the salt in the wound." Another said: "She may have lied about him not being in the house but could you imagine if she told the truth.. 'yeah mate, he’s just through there with a bag on his head.'" A third commented: "That was a polite British arrest."
